She Inspires is a series that covers women in the US who are leaders in different industries. This series seeks to provide awareness of these women, their contributions to their industries, as well as inspire other women to discover their life's mission.

Our 'She Inspires' series continues with our West Coast 'homegirl', rapper ill Camille. She is definitely one to watch -- with music as strong as her personality and a smile that is as bright as her future. We sat down with Camille to discuss her latest project, the desire to be a mother and what she thinks about Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly'.

CM: Hi, Camille! Do you prefer to be called ‘Ill Camille’ or is “Camille” okay?

IC: Hi, Chela! Either one is fine by me. I’ll answer to both (laughs).

CM: Tell us about your origins in Compton.

IC: I was only born in Compton. The person that authored my original bio knew that about me, so I think that became the center of importance with everyone who discovered me later on -- especially with some of Cali’s best lyricists of all time being born there. I spent my life dabbling between two cities, L.A. and the I.E. (Inland Empire, Rialto to be exact) for about four years. They are an hour apart from each other, but quite the same. A lot of Black folks, a lot of soul, violence, good food spots, you name it.

CM: You’re very family oriented, right?

IC: Super. The village raised me as they say. So many people have much to do with my upbringing – shaping me as a woman. My music taste, my perspective, I always gotta show love to my family. I respect my tribe…you know what I’m sayin’? God, family, music, in that order.

CM: Who taught you how to cook and what is your favorite dish to cook?

IC: I think I soaked up a little “game” from all of the women in my family. No diss to our men though because they can cook their behinds off too. I probably cook Soul Food or Mexican food the best. Shrimp or turkey tacos/enchiladas. Hot water cornbread, friend fish, cabbage and greens.

CM: You’re making me hungry! Who were your musical influences as a kid?

IC: Man, so many. I grew up in households with record players, recording equipment and music instruments. I heard everything (laughs). The Dogg Pound, Ron Ayers, A Tribe Called Quest, The Eastsidaz, Queen Latifah, Outkast, Goddie Mobb, George Benson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting. You name it and I’ve listened to it.

CM: How did you get your start in the music industry?

IC: I was always involved with music or the creative arts in some kind a way, since a kid. I was that kind of kid. I started professionally rapping in 2010, toward the latter part of the year. Long story short, I admired an emcee named Mykestro who basically told me that I needed to pursue music seriously. I recorded my first verses at his spot. Got with Battlecat and a few other producers and it was on after that.

CM: You have worked with many notables in the industry. Is there a collaboration that was life changing or stands out to you?

IC: Anytime Iman Omari and I collaborate it makes for a good thing. A great thing. He pushes the envelope creatively so I get in another zone with him.

CM: What is some advice that you would give to aspiring female emcees like you?

IC: Stay diligent no matter what. Stay close to people that know you inside and out. Stay true to your spirit and don’t bend. This industry isn’t friendly and you’ll find that out eventually, so be rooted in your truth. Having some good folks around you will help you stay on course – trust me.

CM: My favorite album of the moment is Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly. Who are you listening to nowadays?

IC: I ain’t stopped listening to To Pimp A Butterfly. It’s brilliant and touches the core. That kind of music gets a lot of play in my ride. Outside of that, I’m still bumping to Outkast. I like Snoop’s Bush project that he did with Pharrell, surprisingly. I’m listening to SIR, Rapsody’s last album, Anderson Paak, Emily King and Damani Nkosi. I always revisit classic albums from 15-20 years ago.

CM: Tell me all about illustrated B-Sides.

IC: B-Sides is going to be my most introspective, honest project. It’s taking forever and rightfully so. It’s been 3 years since my last project so I’m putting all of my time and energy into it because that’s all that I can do. So much happens in a 3 year period – heartbreaks, makeup’s, death, financial gains/losses, losing self, finding self, government killing folks left and right. I’ve put it all on this project.

CM: You post a lot about “homegirls”.

IC: I post a lot about my homegirls. I am a homegirl. The homegirl is a woman, one of the most important types of woman that we often disrespect. I am all about balance, layers and duality – I think the “homegirl” represents this because we are made up of a lot of different things. I just want women to know that it’s okay to subscribe to whatever they feel.

CM: I hate when I’m asked this question but you may be better at answering it than me. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

IC: Hopefully with a family of my own. I love spending quality time, learning and teaching children. That maternal shit has been kicking in lately, so in the 5 years I pray that I am a mother. I hope to still be knee deep in the music, helping new creatives, financially settled and living off of my fruits (of labor) with a man who has a great selection of music. I just want everyone around me to be able to live. That’s what I want 5 years from now.

CM: Last question. Name one thing that you cannot live without.

IC: I can’t choose just one, but it’s a toss-up between air and music – they are pretty much the same damn thing (laughs).

CM: Thanks so much, Camille!

IC: Thank you, Chela. Much love!

Did you enjoy this post? Share with a friend! Follow ill Camille on Instagram @illcamille

Genius is the ability to independently arrive at and understand concepts that would normally have to be taught by another person.

— Immanuel Kant

Myan Soffia may be a genius. As a self-taught photographer, she has mastered the art; her photos whistle tales of the sun and West Coast living. Her work is evidence of what happens when we pay attention to the lessons that we teach ourselves. She is an artist, a painter, a wife and a mother; she has a sweet love affair with Los Angeles.

I love Myan's spirit -- kind and grateful. She says "Thank you," after receiving a compliment and ends a lot of her emails with smiley faces; she is radiant and untroubled. I respect and admire her grind. She is known for her travel photography; her portfolio reads like a dream, with pieces featured on 'Modern Family', HBO's Enlightened, Urban Outfitters, Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence album art work and in Elle Magazine, Target and Better Homes & Gardens to name a few.

Myan is too cool for selfies (I googled her and nothing!) and humble enough not to mention such. She's a woman that you should want to know because she's not trying to be a woman that you should know. Myan is just being Myan; ain't nothing wrong with that.

Urban Outfitters/Myan Soffia

We sat down with her to find out how she began her career, her advice to aspiring photographers/artists and what music she is listening to.

CM: Where are you from?

MS: I'm originally from Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia but have lived in Los Angeles for almost 10 years now.

CM: How were you introduced to photography and the arts?

MS: I've been an artist ever since I can remember. I loved to get lost in photos of paintings. I was always intrigued by photography and even bounced around in the field a little. I didn't take it seriously until we moved to Los Angeles.

CM: Tell us about your career and how it began.

MS: I worked briefly as a photographer for my university alumni paper while I was a wedding photographer's assistant. Then, I had an opportunity to work as a television graphic designer and then as a television promotions producer. I barely touched my camera, but I always thought about photography. Finally after we moved to Los Angeles and my tiny experience in film ate me alive, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I wanted to document everything about Los Angeles -- especially downtown where we lived. I tried to teach myself as much as I could about photography. A few years ago after my paternal grandfather passed away, we found out that my great grandfather was a successful photographer. It made me realize I was finally on the right career path. And we even named our son after him.

CM: What is a typical day like for you?

MS: My baby boy is pretty much my day planner. My days are spent chasing him around while answering emails, placing orders, packaging orders, post office runs, brainstorming, editing, preparing meals and caring for our cats and dog. I also try very hard to squeeze in a yoga session and meditation every day. If I don't do these things I will unravel quickly.

CM: Who/what inspires you most?

MS: So many things inspire me. My son, street photographers, painters, tattoo artists, Buddhism, music, the cello, and daydreamers. Los Angeles is a huge muse for me. If I had to pick specific artists it would be Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Dan Eldon and Remedios Varo. Our son's middle name is Varo, as a nod to her. Her paintings are my absolute favorite.

CM: Your portfolio is amazing! How did you connect with Lana del Rey for her album artwork?

MS: First of all, that is really kind of you to say. I appreciate that. I was so lucky in the fact that she found my work online. I couldn't believe it when I got the email. I was beyond excited. She is an amazing artist and it was such an honor.

Photo Credit: Myan Soffia

CM: Your prints are absolutely beautiful. Tell us more about your love affair with Los Angeles.

MS:Thank you so very much, I really am flattered. I feel bad for saying this but I wasn't very happy back home. One day I told my husband that we should just sell our house and move to Los Angeles. Thankfully, he said yes! So we did and when we arrived in L.A. it just took my breath away. There is so much culture, music, art, amazing food, and inspiration everywhere. The beach, mountains, desert are all within a day's reach. The traffic, heat, earthquakes, expense and the chaos can get to me sometimes, but California has everything you can dream of. You just have to find your slice of paradise here and a sanctuary within it.

CM: Why travel photography?

MS:I love to see new places and experience the food, the people, and the energy that create a city or town.

CM: What are some projects that you’re working on right now?

MS:I have a bunch of projects that I am excited about! A few with some wonderful interior designers, a cafe shoot I'm so thrilled about, a fragrance locket collaboration with a super talented jewelry artist, and a collaboration with an amazing fashion designer that hopefully will be released very soon! I also have a new photo series that I am trying to finish.

CM: What advice would you give to women who aspire to be artists and photographers?

MS: I am normally an anxious person so I always have to remind myself of these principles to stay grounded and find the courage to keep going:

·Believe in yourself and don't let others talk you down from your dream.

·Find your own style, voice and perspective.

·Be kind and patient with yourself.

·Keep learning. I have so much to learn about photography. It's endless.

·Realize and appreciate the gifts you've been given in order to enjoy, create and experience life.

·If you work hard enough and are true to yourself, then things will fall into place.

She Inspires is a series that covers women in the US who are leaders in different industries. This series seeks to provide awareness of these women, their contributions to their industries, as well as inspire other women to discover their life's mission.

Jane Mosbacher Morris previously served as the Director of Humanitarian Action for the McCain Institute's human trafficking initiative. Prior to that, she worked in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism, and in the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues (who better to highlight?). The Columbia University alumna has traveled, lectured and written extensively on peace and security issues and blogs regularly for The Huffington Post.

We sat down with Jane, who is the CEO of TO THE MARKET to find out more about her company's origins and her recent pop-up shop at City Center DC. What we love most about Jane? She is intelligent, passionate and loves mashed potatoes -- who wouldn't love her?!

CM:What does a typical day look like for you?

JMM: No matter where I am in the world, I almost always start my day with a healthy amount of caffeine (ideally a triple iced latte!). If I am out in the field, I take instant coffee with me and add it to hot water. That’s about the extent of my daily ritual because running a start-up forces you to wear so many hats, from engaging with customers to copy-editing blog posts. I try to end my day with daily devotionals to keep myself centered and focused on the purpose of the work.

CM:How did TTM come about?

JMM: I launched TO THE MARKET (TTM) after identifying a need to support economic empowerment for survivors of abuse, conflict, and disease. My work at the State Department and for the McCain Institute really prepared me for this chapter in my life!

CM:Tell us about the TTM Pop-up shop that took place on May 15th.

JMM: We were incredibly fortunate to have a number of DC businesses offer to host this pop-up shop in order to allow TO THE MARKET to share our mission. The incredible team at CityCenterDC spearheaded the event; Covington and Burling provided a light-filled reception space, as well as catering; DBGB’s Kitchen and Bar contributed delicious wines; and RareSweets donated an assortment of their unique (and addictive!) desserts!

We also had TTM Advisory Board Member and human trafficking survivor Margeaux Gray discuss what freedom meant to her. Her speech was moving and reminded me how fortunate I am to have her on our Board.

Lastly, the pop-up shop included survivor-made items from a variety of causes and countries, from yoga bags made in the Democratic Republic of Congo by survivors of conflict to deco-styled dangly earrings made by survivors of HIV/Aids in India.

The Zoe Sierra Leone Clutch is one of many international goods found at TO THE MARKET's shop.

CM:What are some other projects that you're working on right now?

JMM:We are continuing to grow our retail partnerships, which kicked off this year with a Nepal-focused post-Earthquake sale with ideel.com.

CM:What advice would you give women who want to make a difference in their community?

JMM:Just do it! So many women I know are so bright and capable and have a desire to serve others, but are afraid of failing. Women are often their own worst enemy, allowing for self-doubt to rule their lives. If your heart is in the right place and your intentions are truly service-oriented, then commit to a project and get to work! No act of service is too small!

CM:Name a woman who inspires you and share why.

JMM:My grandmother, because she raised six kids while working (sometimes nights!).